ADRP Blog

Voices of Experience: A Simple Hello, A Lasting Impact

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Oct
21

Ruvimbo Chipazi
Donor Relations Officer, Dalhousie University

Attending my first ADRP Conference was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be there. From the start, I was impressed by how welcoming and open the community was; everyone was eager to share ideas, offer advice, and connect. I especially appreciated how the sessions encouraged me to ask more thoughtful questions in my day-to-day work, helping me see new ways to enhance donor experience and stewardship.
One standout moment was realizing how much I had in common with professionals across all levels, including those in senior roles. It was empowering to exchange ideas and feel like my voice mattered. Beyond the career insights, I received thoughtful life advice that I know will stay with me throughout my journey.
Being recognized with the 2025 International Stewardship Award was an incredible honor. It reminded me of the deeper meaning behind my work: creating meaningful connections between donors, students, and communities. It truly reignited my passion for what I do.
To anyone considering the conference next year: come with curiosity and questions. Be open to meeting new people, some of the best conversations start with a simple hello. You’ll leave not only with new knowledge, but also with a renewed sense of purpose and community. Just go for it — it’s absolutely worth it.

In Service: The Column of the ADRP President - October 2025

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Oct
21

Marian Johnson
2025-2026 President

A toast of thanks …

Earlier this month, we celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada, and I spent it with three generations of family – some born into it and others found over the years – but all intentionally connected. It was a weekend filled with fun, food, and laughter, and moments of gratitude for the people who show up, the stories that connect us, and the traditions we build together. 

It reminded me that family often extends far beyond our homes. Sometimes, it’s the people we choose to gather with – the communities we intentionally create – that shape and sustain us most. In many ways, that’s what ADRP feels like to me. We come together from across the sector and across geographies, with different experiences, cultures, and roles, but united by shared purpose and passion. 

Since the conference, I’ve loved seeing members celebrate connections new and old, shout out to those who inspire us (and those we wish to grow up to be), and share sparks of inspiration and ideas already in action – with ADRP at the heart of so many of those stories. 

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Member Profile: Carlos Mora

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Oct
21

Carlos Mora
Marketing Manager, FundMiner

Background Info:

1. Can you tell us about your career trajectory? How did you come into donor relations as a career?

My journey into donor relations started as a student, when I saw firsthand how a scholarship can change a life. That experience stayed with me, and now at FundMiner, a company dedicated to simplifying fund management and supporting donor intent, I use my skills in marketing, storytelling, and design to create materials that help donor relations professionals steward donors better.

2. What influenced your interest in and passion for donor relations? 




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Member Profile - Guycaelle Vaval

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Sep
24
Guycaelle Vaval
Director of Stewardship
Pace University

 

Background Info:

1. Can you tell us about your career trajectory? How did you come into donor relations as a career?

I found my way into donor relations by chance. My first job in development supported several areas—corporate and foundation relations, prospect research, and major gifts. The major gifts officer I worked with had just started handling stewardship, so I got an early look at the donor experience. Around that time, we launched a new project asking students to write thank-you notes to scholarship donors—something our institution had never done before.

2. What influenced your interest in and passion for donor relations? 

That note-writing project opened my eyes. A heartfelt message had the power to truly move a donor, showing me how gratitude and storytelling can build strong, lasting relationships. I learned that donor relations is more than just thank-you letters — it’s about real connections and helping donors see their impact. It also helps beneficiaries reflect on their journey and recognize the broader community that’s invested in their success.

3. What lessons, words of advice/inspiration would you like to pass on to other donor relations professionals?
Stay curious and committed to learning. Donor relations is a field that’s always evolving — shaped by new trends, technologies, and donor expectations. One piece of advice I’ve found helpful (and am still learning myself) is to let your organization’s data guide your strategy. Take time to review what the numbers are telling you — engagement rates, giving patterns, donor feedback — and use that insight to shape more targeted, meaningful efforts.

When rolling out something new, start small: pilot it, gather feedback, refine, and build from there. Finally, remember that you’re not in this alone. The ADRP community is full of support, ideas, and helpful advice to guide you along the way.

4. Can you talk about a specific donor engagement or stewardship activity that makes you feel like you are providing the best experience for donors? 

One recent initiative that stands out is our “Day in the Life” video series. In short clips, students share highlights from their internships, classes, or favorite campus moments, ending with a personal thank-you to donors. They film and edit the videos themselves, with guidance and a final review from our team. We pair each video with a personal message from the student and a call to action inviting donors to reflect on their own college experience or offer advice. The response has been very positive — emails get high open rates and thoughtful replies. Students are proud to share their stories in their own voices, and donors feel more connected to the impact of their support.

Connection to ADRP: 

1. When did you become an ADRP member? 
I followed ADRP for years and officially joined in 2017 when my organization invested in a membership. It’s been invaluable ever since.

2. Why is ADRP membership important to you? 
ADRP connects me with peers who understand the unique challenges and joys of our work. It offers practical tools and fresh ideas that help me better engage and nurture donor relationships.

3. ADRP is universally recognized as the authority on donor engagement for the philanthropy profession. In your own words, how does ADRP serve you in the form of professional development?
ADRP provides timely resources and learning opportunities that strengthen my skills. Volunteering has also helped me build connections and grow professionally.

In Service: The Column of the ADRP President - September 2025

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Sep
24

Marian Johnson
2025-2026 President

WOW!
That’s the only way to describe the extraordinary combination of exhaustion and exhilaration that comes when your cup has been filled to the brim. I am leaving Montréal energized and inspired by the time spent with our members, volunteers, sponsors, award winners, supporters, and all the incredible people who make ADRP stronger every year.
The week began with our Board coming together to finalize ADRP’s strategic plan, which we look forward to sharing later this fall. Then came the conference itself, which was full of momentum — from the energy of the launch party to the learning and connection that filled every session, through to the powerful closing keynote from Tareq Hadhad, whose family’s story of resilience, perseverance, and generosity left us deeply moved.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s conference – those who joined us in person and especially the many volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the months leading up to it, even if they couldn’t be in Montréal. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: our volunteers are the heart of this organization.
As we step into a year defined by partnership, collaboration, and the spirit of sharing, I could not be more excited for what lies ahead and for my term as your 2025–2026 President.
With gratitude,
Marian Johnson
President, ADRP

Voices of Experience: Mythos and Bucknell University Transform Stewardship

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Sep
24

The 500-Hour Problem: How Manual Stewardship Processes Drain University Resources

Bucknell's six-person team, led by Jessica Owens Pastuszek, knew something was broken when her stewardship team spent more time chasing paperwork than stewarding donors.

Fifty hours per reporting cycle just following up on missing content. Hundreds of Google docs scattered across email threads. Three different spreadsheets to track basic progress. Character limits that forced them to cut the most compelling impact details.

One year later? They delivered 1,520 personalized reports 2.5 months early while saving 500 hours of work time.

 

"We sent roughly 1,200 digital reports and 320 printed reports our first cycle using Mythos and saved an estimated 500 hours of work time in that process," Jessica says. "Our donors are saying that they're the best reports that they have received to date."

Those results represent more than efficiency gains. They show what becomes possible when automation replaces manual coordination—reports delivered 2.5 months early, campus partnerships that strengthen the entire advancement operation, and donor satisfaction that exceeds expectations.
‍

Manual chaos consumed strategic time

Before Mythos, Bucknell's annual reporting process consumed enormous amounts of staff time on administrative tasks rather than strategic stewardship work. Jessica's team was drowning. But what if this chaos could be transformed into streamlined efficiency in just one reporting cycle?


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In Service: The Column of the ADRP President - August 2025

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Aug
21

Marian Johnson
2025-2026 President


Hello ADRP friends!

The countdown is on! In just a few weeks, we’ll be together in Montréal for ADRP’s 2025 International Conference. As your president and a proud Canadian, I could not be more excited to welcome you to this incredible city for three days of learning, sharing, and making connections that last well beyond the conference.

This special edition of The Hub is your sneak peek at what’s in store. From innovative sessions and inspiring keynotes to new voices and seasoned leaders, our program is packed with ideas you can take home and put into action. And just as important, you’ll have the chance to spend time with colleagues who understand and share your passion for donor relations.

Whether you’re joining us for the very first time or returning for another amazing year, Montréal is ready for you. I can’t wait to see you there!

Cheers,

Marian

The Hub Conference Takeover: Montréal Moments

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Aug
21

Montréal Moments

If you’re not already planning to explore Montréal beyond the conference, we urge you to reconsider! This city is bursting with charm, culture, and adventure. From its world-class art and lively festivals to hidden green spaces and a mouth-watering food scene, Montréal has something for everyone. Check out the printable guide to help plan your trip! 

 

Download the Guide

 

Attendee Experience Highlights

Nobody does experience planning like a donor relations professional. This year’s international conference is no exception. Get ready!

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The Hub Conference Takeover: Conference Volunteers

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Aug
21

The Hub Conference Takeover: Conference Volunteers

 

 

As we prepare to gather in Montréal for ADRP’s International Conference, we invite you to begin your journey with a special message from the dedicated volunteer leaders who have shaped this year’s conference. 

P.S. Do you have questions about this year’s conference? Submit them online and we’ll share our answers in the Know Before You Go section of the conference website.

Conference Crossword: Get to Know Your Conference Committee & Montréal

Here’s a fun activity to fill your time while flying to Montréal or taking a self-care break. Print our custom crossword puzzle to learn about your conference committee and some fun Montréal facts. For a list of the core conference committee volunteers please visit the conference website. 

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Voices of Experience: The Volunteers who Shaped ADRP’s Fundamentals of Donor Relations

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Jul
25

Voices of Experience: The Volunteers Who Shaped ADRP’s Fundamentals of Donor Relations

Holden Scheidel
Ex Officio, ADRP Board of Directors
Co-Chair, ADRP Education Committee

 

When I began my career in donor relations, I had mentors who showed me what donor relations professionals do, and why our work matters. That early support shaped my understanding of the field and fueled my passion for the art and science of donor relations. But not everyone has that same springboard. Limited resources, small teams, and increasing demands often mean new donor relations professionals need to piece together concepts and develop skills on their own. 
 
Enter ADRP’s Fundamentals of Donor Relations, the new self-paced online course designed to empower and educate early career donor relations professionals. 
 
Early conversations happened at ADRP’s Education Summit in San Diego at the beginning of 2022. Participating in that meeting was a defining moment for me professionally, and soon, the ADRP Board of Directors asked me to lead what would become a three-year journey to produce our association’s very first comprehensive course. Building on an existing vision (shout-out to Mary Weingartner, Eliza McNulty, Jess Veitch, and Jen McGrath, to name a few), we assembled a group of five ADRP members (and subject matter experts) to create course content.
 
Officially appointed by the ADRP Board of Directors as the Fundamentals of Donor Relations Task Force, these members and their contributions make our course unique. The brain trust was comprised of a wide range of perspectives, resulting in a course that reflects the breadth, depth, and expertise of our members. The real value is that this course represents not just the perspective of a singular voice, but collective experiences and values of our professional community. 
 
The four-module course covers the fundamental components of donor relations: gift acknowledgments, gift acceptance and management, donor recognition, stewardship reporting, and the strategic role that donor relations plays in philanthropy. Whether you are new to the field, sharpening your donor relations skills, or mentoring a donor relations newbie, Fundamentals offers a foundational understanding of these concepts.
 
The launch of Fundamentals of Donor Relations marks a milestone in ADRP’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education, and it reaffirms our role as the authority in advancing donor relations within philanthropy. I am incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing this new learning experience for our field to life. Please join me in celebrating this moment and the team that brought us here. 
 
Meet the Task Force
This course is made possible by the insight, dedication, and collaboration of the Fundamentals of Donor Relations Task Force. On behalf of ADRP, I express our deepest thanks to:
 
Andrea Olson, Associate Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship, University of Waterloo
Katie Kallmyer, Associate Director of Donor Stewardship, The Nature Conservancy
Leslie Zornow, Executive Director of Donor Engagement, University of Rochester
Paul Haymon, Associate Director of Data and Communications Strategy, Donor Relations, UC Berkeley
Rebecca Geragosian, Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, Simmons University

I also recognize the contributions of the Education Committee members, the Fundamentals of Donor Relations Subcommittee members, and all the volunteers whose collective efforts carried this project forward. We are grateful for their time, wisdom, and passion for strengthening the donor relations profession.
 
Happy learning!

 

In Service: The Column of the ADRP President - July 2025

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Jul
24

Marian Johnson
2025-2026 ADRP President

Happy July, friends!

Summer always invites a different rhythm. Even if the calendar stays busy, there’s something about longer days, warmer nights, and quiet moments outdoors that calls us to pause, play, reflect, and breathe a little deeper.

In a profession where we care deeply for others—our donors, teams, institutions, and causes—summer is a gentle reminder to care for ourselves, too. It’s a chance to step back, reset, and reconnect with curiosity and joy. What’s one small way you can give yourself space this month to pause or reflect? Maybe it’s finishing a book just for fun, wandering without a destination, catching up with a friend, or simply sitting still long enough to notice something beautiful. 

Pay attention to the moments that light you up. They are often the quiet reminders of why our work matters. If you have a favorite summer reset ritual, I’d love to hear it! Feel free to share it with me by email at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn. Let’s inspire each other with the ways we’re making space to rest and recharge.

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Member Profile - Pandora Hess

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Jul
24

Pandora Hess
Associate Director, Donor Experience & Engagement
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute


Background Info: 

1. Can you tell us about your career trajectory? How did you come into donor relations as a career?

Although I have only been in donor relations in an official capacity for the last seven years, I have been actively practicing donor relations my entire career! I began as a museum curator at a preservation organization and, as with many small non-profits, I wore many (read: a teetering stack) of hats, including leading a special-interest donor group, writing content-rich donor communications, delivering behind-the-scenes experiences to donors, and stewarding gifts to the collection. From there, I co-led the program that strategically stewarded the Harvard Art Museums’ highest-level donors. Then I switched from museums to healthcare, joining one of the largest philanthropy teams in the country at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  


2. What influenced your interest in and passion for donor relations?



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Voices of Experience: How to Maximize Fund Utilization in Advancement

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Jun
23

Voices of Experience: How to Maximize Fund Utilization in Advancement

Haider Ali
Head of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, FundMinder
Advancement professionals know that every dollar entrusted to their organizations carries both promise and responsibility. In line with the ADRP mission to empower members with practical, forward-thinking strategies, the webinar on “Use It or Lose It” positioned fund management as an operational necessity and a strategic advantage for deepening donor trust and driving sustainable impact.

By rightfully treating donor relations as more than a compliance or communications checkbox, this approach reinforces ADRP’s vision of a future where members don’t just raise funds but honor donor intent through transparency, accountability, and measurable results. Whether your office supports scholarships, research, or special initiatives, the guiding principle is the same: every gift deserves evidence of impact.

Key Takeaways for Participants
Attendees left the session equipped with three transformative insights:
“Closing the loop” with your donors ignites flywheel fundraising: Integrating gift acceptance, acknowledgment, fund deployment, and impact reporting into a continuous cycle that reignites donor engagement at each turn gives advancement teams a head start on the next gift.

Administrative challenges and information silos impede our work: Advancement teams often manage thousands of funds, and information tends to be scattered across various systems. Breakdowns happen, and they have real consequences. Implementing controls and automating processes can help reduce errors, save valuable time, and equip campus-wide stakeholders with valuable information.

Create Your “Fund Management Playbook”: When scaling a fund management program from the ground up, consider leveraging a task force or working group and start by creating your “playbook.” Outline everything. Establish fund management standards, monitor fund utilization, keep an annual work plan, schedule regular field and fund audits, and train everyone.

Facilitators’ Complementary Perspectives
This framework was delivered and brought to life through two expert voices:

Chelsea Lamego spearheaded the development and growth of the fund management program at UTEP, before moving to co-found FundMiner, where she now serves as CEO. Chelsea brings her wealth of experience in building a fund management program centered on technology and innovation.

Hillary Dudley has been part of the UTEP team implementing and leveraging FundMiner. She has continued to build on the fund management successes at UTEP, now widely considered one of the best Fund Management programs in the country.

The audience Q & A at the end of the session was highly engaging as participants explored how to apply learnings from the session to their organization, develop their own protocols, and leverage technology such as FundMiner to support their work. Participants were granted access to several downloadable resources and templates.

The feedback from the webinar demonstrated how the topic of fund management is growing in importance at fundraising organizations. As a relatively underdeveloped area of philanthropy, there is a hunger for resources, tools, technologies, best practices, and communities where discussions can be had. The ADRP community can play a critical role in elevating this important conversation by continuing to share ideas and best practices among peers. 

In Service: The Column of the ADRP President - June 2025

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Jun
23
Marian Johnson
2025-2026 ADRP President
Happy June, friends!

This month’s issue is all about careers. When I think about my career path it’s tempting to dwell on the titles and timelines, but what’s shaped me more than anything else are the experiences I’ve valued along the way. I want to share a few reflections from recent ADRP moments that left me deeply grateful to be part of this community.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of representing ADRP at the 2025 CASE Donor Relations Conference where I co-presented with former ADRP President, Angela Altamore. It was energizing to connect with sector colleagues, including many ADRP members, and to exchange ideas about the evolving nature of our work. Every conversation reminded me how passionate, thoughtful, and creative our profession is.

Just a few days later I joined the ADRP Board of Directors in Denver to continue building our strategic plan through 2030. While there, we hosted a My ADRP Live gathering with local members. Whether deep in strategy discussions or sharing stories over snacks, the throughline was clear: curiosity, contribution and most of all – connection. That’s what makes ADRP special, not just the learning, but the people.

If you’re looking to reconnect, learn, or get inspired, I hope you’ll consider joining us in Montreal this September for Passport to Partnerships: the 2025 ADRP International Conference. Registration is now open, and as a Canadian, I’m especially excited to welcome you north of the border for what promises to be a memorable gathering.

Whether you’re just starting out or charting your next leadership move, I hope this issue sparks reflection, encouragement, and maybe even a new step in your journey.

Thanks for being part of ADRP. I’m so glad you’re here.

Warmly,

Marian Johnson
President, ADRP

Member Profile - Marian Johnson

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Jun
23
Marian Johnson
Executive Director of Donor Experience, Western University 


Background Info:

1. Can you tell us about your career trajectory? How did you come into donor relations as a career?

Careers don’t always follow a straight path. Mine began with a clear desire to work in fundraising, but it took a few moves and pivots to discover what I loved most.

I cycled through roles in major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving, learning from generous colleagues and mentors. Then I was offered a role focused on stewardship. As I read the job description, something clicked. I realized that what I had loved most in every role was expressing gratitude, building real relationships and conveying the impact donors make possible. Donor relations would let me do that work with purpose, and with heart.

2. What influenced your interest in and passion for donor relations? 

Ten years ago, I would’ve said it was the chance to thank people for a living. That’s still true, but the why runs deeper now. I appreciate the privilege of practicing kindness, creativity, imagination and gratitude in my day to day. A coaching experience last year helped me explore and name my core values: Quality relationships – building real connection rooted in trust and shared purpose; Growth – staying curious, stretching, and evolving; and Integrity – staying aligned with what matters most, even when it’s hard.

Working in a field that allows me to live those values every day is everything. We are builders – of programs, of people, and of culture. This work is truly a calling for me.
3. What lessons, words of advice/inspiration would you like to pass on to other donor relations professionals?
Careers aren’t ladders, they’re climbing walls. Early on, I measured success by how straight the rungs looked from role A to B to C. Eventually, I realized my résumé looked more like a climbing wall with side moves, pivots, a few scrapes, and moments spent hanging on, looking for the next hold.

If your path feels diagonal, or even upside-down at times, take heart. Ladders are tidy. Climbing walls build agility, resilience, and a broader view of what’s possible. Lead with curiosity and remember your why.

Let your values be your compass. Name them. Write them down. Let them guide your next move.

4. Can you talk about a specific donor engagement or stewardship activity that makes you feel like you are providing the best experience for donors? 
A calling doesn’t always arrive with fanfare. Sometimes it reveals itself in a quiet sense of purpose: when a stewardship plan aligns donor intent with impact; when a campus partner feels seen and supported; when a colleague says, “I couldn’t have done this without you.” Sometimes it’s the quiet clarity of doing work that reflects who you are. 

Connection to ADRP: 

1. When did you become an ADRP member?

2012

2. Why is an ADRP membership important to you?
ADRP has been my professional home for over a decade. It’s where I’ve grown my knowledge, found mentorship, and built meaningful relationships. The sense of community is unmatched, and has helped shape not just how I work, but how I lead.

3. ADRP is universally recognized as the authority on donor engagement for the philanthropy profession. In your own words, how does ADRP serve you in the form of professional development?
Community. I can always turn to ADRP’s resources, programming, and community for insight and inspiration. The content is rooted in real-world application and delivered by peer professionals who truly understand our work. I’ve learned as much from conference sessions and webinars as I have from one-on-one conversations with members who generously share a template, talk through a scenario, or offer a perspective I hadn’t considered.

Voices of Experience: 2025 ADRP Northeast - Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
May
27

Stephanie Lamphere, Co-Chair, Empire State University
Cheryl Lintner, Co-Chair, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation

“The ADRP NEMA Regional was a terrific occasion to network and learn from donor relations professionals from all over the Northeast.”

- Shannon Dowling, UConn Foundation Inc.




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In Service: The Column of the ADRP President - May 2025

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
May
27
Marian Johnson
2025-2026 ADRP President

Happy May! 

If you were expecting to hear from Scott Eichinger in this month’s column, you’re not mistaken. I want to take a moment to thank Scott, whose transition into the role of Executive Director marks a new and exciting chapter for ADRP. Stepping into the role of President earlier than anticipated is a responsibility I embrace with gratitude. While Scott’s title has changed, we’re fortunate that his leadership and presence within our community remain. On behalf of the Board, I want to express our appreciation and share how excited we are to continue working alongside him in this new capacity. 
 
I still remember my first ADRP International Conference in Providence back in 2013. I didn’t know anyone attending that year and wasn’t sure what to expect. At breakfast on the first day, an attendee sat next to me, smiled, and struck up a conversation. That simple act of kindness helped ease my nerves and made me feel welcome. I still remember a keynote address from Elizabeth Crabtree, who spoke about how creativity, innovation, and action can help us turn challenges into solutions. Her message feels especially relevant now, as we look toward the future of ADRP. It’s these moments and reflections that remind me what makes our community so special.
Registration for the 2025 International Conference in Montreal, Canada, Passport to Partnerships, opens on Monday, June 2. Early Bird rates are available until July 9. As a Canadian, I’m especially excited to welcome our global community to Montreal – the first time our flagship event will be held outside the United States. The theme, Passport to Partnerships, captures the spirit of connection, collaboration, and shared learning that defines ADRP. Whether this is your first conference or your 10th, I hope you’ll join us in Montreal for the chance to connect, learn, and be inspired. 
If you're looking to connect sooner, tickets are still available for My ADRP Live - Midwest on Friday, May 30, and My ADRP Live - Denver on Tuesday, June 10. My ADRP Live events are casual, regional gatherings that offer a great opportunity to network with donor relations peers and dig into the most pressing questions from My ADRP. We hope to see you there! 
The Board of Directors will host My ADRP Live - Denver when we gather to continue developing ADRP’s 2025–2030 strategic plan. The member survey that many of you completed in fall 2024 provided invaluable data and insights, shaping key priorities for the plan. This includes increasing content accessibility, improving ADRP’s website, elevating the volunteer experience, and creating offerings for those new to donor relations. I look forward to sharing the final strategic plan with you later this year.
 

Member Profile - Bridgette Jordan

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
May
27
Bridgette Jordan
Senior Donor Events Planner
Rotary International

Background Info:

1. Can you tell us about your career trajectory? How did you come into donor relations as a career?
I came into donor relations unintentionally, actually! I was an event planner for the Harris School of Public Policy at University of Chicago, and my team often collaborated with both the Harris and University alumni relations and development teams on various events. A thread was established, and that brought me to the role I’m in today.

2. What influenced your interest in and passion for donor relations? 
Referring to the thread I mentioned, I realized that the events I enjoyed most were often those centered around fundraising or stewardship. It was less about the actual events, and more about the stories behind the people in the room. Conversing with donors and hearing about their journey to a particular initiative was the meaningful connection that drew me.

3. What lessons, words of advice/inspiration would you like to pass on to other donor relations professionals?
Get to know your donors. I can’t tell you how many instances we’ve seen positive outcomes from simple gestures rooted in the investment of being knowledgeable about your donor base.

4. Can you talk about a specific donor engagement or stewardship activity that makes you feel like you are providing the best experience for donors? 
Every year at our organization’s annual convention, we produce a program called The Rotary Foundation Donor Summit. It’s a plenary dedicated to the donors of the organization, and it’s one of the few opportunities that our team has to collectively recognize the generosity of donors at various giving levels.

Connection to ADRP: 

1. When did you become an ADRP member? 
I became an ADRP member in 2022.

2. Why is ADRP membership important to you? 
Donor relations and the philanthropy landscape as a whole is ever-evolving. It’s important to engage with a variety of ideas, skill sets, methods, and so on when navigating an expansive environment, and ADRP provides that outlet.

3. ADRP is universally recognized as the authority on donor engagement for the philanthropy profession. In your own words, how does ADRP serve you in the form of professional development?
I’m a lifelong student — if I’m the smartest person in a room, something is seriously wrong! Both personally and professionally, I can attribute every piece of growth to the interpersonal connections I’ve made, and there isn’t a reality where I would’ve experienced success without them. Knowledge is power, but connections are key: in order to learn, we must be taught. Professional associations allow us to share all that we’ve learned and gain insight in return, a necessary component for expansion.

In Service: The Column of the ADRP President - April 2025

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Apr
21

Scott Eichinger 
2024-2025 ADRP President

Happy April! 

Spring is in the air at my home outside Washington, DC. Out of the drabness and hibernation of winter sprouts vibrant signs of life: returning songbirds, yellow daffodils, pink cherry blossoms, and verdant leaf buds. And way too much pollen! My favorite season is autumn, but spring brings such joy and optimism – and one more awesome thing: National Volunteer Month!  

The lifeblood of the ADRP community is our dedicated volunteer corps. Their work is invaluable, from creating and managing our educational content, to guiding policy development, spearheading our marketing and sponsorship efforts, driving our conference and regional programming, selecting and recognizing outstanding contributions to our field through awards and scholarships, contributing to research and strategic initiatives, and even creating and delivering The Hub to you each month. ADRP is a volunteer-driven organization, and we deeply appreciate the impact that each and every volunteer makes. 

ADRP would not be the vibrant community it is without the generosity of caring, thoughtful, and dedicated volunteers. "But why should I volunteer, Scott?" ADRP would not achieve its mission without volunteers! There's the good feeling of giving back and supporting something you care about. There's incredible experience gained by volunteering and developing a professional network with other volunteers - your donor relations industry peers. But what I believe to be the most important thing is that volunteering for ADRP gives you the opportunity to share creative ideas, new perspectives, fresh energy, strategic direction, and amplification of the importance of donor relations in philanthropy. 

Dear readers, please join me in recognizing and celebrating an amazing team of volunteers. To our ADRP volunteers, you are the fuel that runs ADRP. Your dedication and hard work are the driving force behind ADRP, and we thank you for all you do, today and every day. 

Cheers,
Scott

Voices of Experience: Novel Approaches for Donor Recognition

by: ADRP Office
Category: ADRP
Apr
21
Pandora Hess
Assistant Director, Donor Experience & Engagement
Dana-Faber Cancer Institute

Before

As the leading resource for donor relations professionals, ADRP offers new and innovative ideas for pushing the bounds of what is possible in the field. With that in mind, my co-presenter, designer Ben Dudek, and I felt compelled to share a bold new project in which we reimagined the very concept of a donor wall.

Rather than simply sharing the story of the project, our webinar goal was to develop a set of universally applicable models and tools to help attendees reconceptualize donor walls at their own organizations, regardless of budget or size of shop. We set out strategies for thoughtfully incorporating diverse perspectives from the outset of a project to ensure an inclusive design that resonates with all. We also shared insights on courting key stakeholders, securing their buy-in to set an innovative concept on the path to success.

During 

Ben specializes in designing bespoke art installations and is a trained architect, so he was uniquely positioned to talk about the design challenges of making a list of donor names engaging and inspiring, and the intricacies of design strategies for annual updates. Meanwhile, as a donor relations practitioner with a background in museums and degrees in art history, I speak both “languages” and could translate design concepts into the day-to-day reality of a philanthropy office.

After

It was enormously gratifying to enter in a lively dialogue with webinar attendees following the session. Breaking away from the traditional donor recognition wall format is an ambition shared by colleagues at organizations across the board. We were able to offer an open invitation to come to Boston to visit our newly installed project, which we extend to you too!

The ADRP webinar series is a professional development member benefit that enhances skills, knowledge, and job satisfaction, leading to career advancement and increased productivity. In its 15th full year of programming, ADRP is proud to bring monthly webinars to our members throughout 2025. Consult the schedule and be sure to register early, as webinars often sell out. 

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